Authorities are investigating whether heavy fog and flight approach conditions contributed to the crash of a Mexican Navy aircraft conducting a humanitarian medical mission that went down in Galveston Bay on Monday afternoon.
The twin-engine turboprop plane was transporting medical personnel and a young burn patient from Mexico to the United States for specialized treatment when it crashed while attempting to land at Galveston Scholes International Airport. Officials confirmed that eight people were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
Five people were pronounced dead following the crash. Two survivors were rescued from the wreckage and transported to local hospitals with serious injuries. One crew member remains missing and is presumed deceased, according to Mexican naval authorities.
The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. local time in an area near the Galveston Causeway. Witnesses reported dense fog across the region, significantly reducing visibility over the bay. Emergency crews arriving at the scene faced challenging conditions as parts of the aircraft were submerged in shallow water.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire and rescue units. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, with divers and marine units deployed to locate victims and secure the crash site.
Aviation experts reviewing preliminary data indicated the aircraft appeared to be descending rapidly during its final approach. Specialists noted that low visibility and unstable descent rates can increase risk during landing attempts, particularly in coastal weather conditions where fog can develop quickly.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators will examine weather reports, flight data, aircraft systems, and pilot decision-making to determine the cause of the crash.
Mexican Navy officials confirmed the flight was part of an ongoing humanitarian cooperation program designed to transport critically injured patients for advanced medical care. The Mexican Consulate in Houston is assisting with coordination efforts and supporting the families affected by the tragedy.
Hospital officials in Galveston confirmed the pediatric patient had not yet arrived at the facility at the time of the crash and expressed condolences to all those impacted.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said it may take several weeks before preliminary findings are released.
